Date: September 1, 2019

RE: Letter of Recommendation for “Student”

Dear University Admissions Office,
It is with great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for "student". I have known "student"
since 2015 when her and I started at American International School. I have been her middle and high
school counselor and was also one of her chaperones to her service trip in 2017 to Cambodia.
"student" and I’s relationship is unique due to the things she has experienced in the last five years
together. Our principal and her family would say we have had almost a sisterly relationship.

When I first met "student" in grade 8, she was extremely shy. She relied on her brother to be her social
backbone even though he was two years younger. Then when she promoted to grade 9, she relied on
her sister. Over the course of those two years we had several conversations about social confidence.
Everyone in her grade viewed her very positively; however, she was convinced people didn’t want to
hang out with her. A pivoted switch in her mindset was during her grade 10 Adventure Week trip to
Cambodia. Unlike many of our school trips, this trip was primarily a grade 11 and 12 trip, but there
were a few grade 10. Her apprehension was palpable. Quickly many of the grade 12s adopted her into
their social groups. Then on the trip, she experienced a series of medical issues that would’ve deterred
many of the other students from continuing in the activities and service activities. She was determined
to continue to participate with the same enthusiasm, if not more. Unsurprisingly, during the group's
reflection of the trip "student"’s spirit, optimism and persistence were mentioned in all 30 students'
journals. This was particularly notable since she was one of the youngest on the trip. Seemingly
overnight, "student" became more confident in her abilities. Slowly a friend group developed around
her. People started to view her quiet leadership as becoming drawn to it.

Although "student" has gained more social confidence, she is still shy when attention is given to her.
So when her AP Chinese Mandarin teacher requested her to be the director in the annual Chinese New
Year assembly, she was less than thrilled. This required her to be one of two hosts speaking the
majority of the time all the while ensuring the rest of her class was doing what they needed to do.
While she did not enjoy having the role, she made sure the assembly was successful. "Student" is a
student who does not like to feel limited. She tries to prevail regardless of what may be in her way,
whether it is her self-imposed limitations or someone else’s.

"Student" is a student who has high social intelligence and empathy - probably from her own
struggles. As a result, she is a student who is quick to adopt new students and support them.
Similarly, her interactions with younger students is instinctual. In her role as a Work Study student
for early childhood, her teachers’ talk about how good she is connecting with the students. She is a
hard-worker who is determined to do her best. Even if a group project was unsuccessful due to
another student, she would say that she did not do her job in supporting her peer. This humbleness is
"student"'s biggest strength and challenge.

While "student"’s involvement has not been as extensive as other students in high school, the things
she has done, she is passionate about. In grade 11, she joined our Eco-Green club, which was at risk of
folding due to lack of student involvement. She was one of the core leadership team that revived the
club and managed to implement several policies last year, including the switch from plastic utensils to
reusable ones. Part of the reason that "student" is not involved as much as some of her peers is her
expected contributions to her family household. While she has never explicitly talked about it, it
appears that she expected to do much to help out including cooking and cleaning as her mother works
extra jobs to ensure her children can have access to an international school education.

"Student" is an amazing individual who will do great things on your campus and beyond. Please
contact me at ​hhendrickx@ais.edu.hk​ should you have questions regarding her application. It is with
my highest regards to recommend "student" for your institution.

Warm Regards,

Ms. Heather Hendrickx

High School Counselor